What Is the Leadership Academy at Camp WeHaKee?

The Leadership Academy at Camp WeHaKee is designed for girls entering 10th, 11th, or 12th grade who are ready for something more than a typical camp experience. It's a structured, multi-level program that trains girls how to lead, how to mentor younger campers, and how to take on real responsibility within the WeHaKee community. Here's a look at what the program actually involves and the skills it helps build.

What is the Leadership Academy?

The Leadership Academy is our special program for older campers who feel ready to step into a leadership role. It has three levels: Counselor in Training 1 (CIT1), Counselor in Training 2 (CIT2), and Junior Counselor (JC). Each level asks a bit more of the participant and gives even more back in return. Girls usually progress through these levels across several summers, building on their experience every year they return.

The program runs during the same sessions as our girls' camp from June through July 2026. This means our Leadership Academy participants are an active part of the camp community rather than being on a separate track. They’re right there in the dining hall at breakfast, they’re down at the waterfront, and they’re the older girls that our younger campers really look up to.

What do participants actually do?

The specifics depend on which level a girl is in, but everyone in the Leadership Academy takes on real responsibilities. They assist counselors with cabin supervision, help lead activities, and mentor younger campers in ways that truly matter. They might be the ones who notice when a camper is feeling a little off or act as the friendly older presence that a nervous first-timer can really lean on.

They also receive formal leadership training throughout the session. They learn how to give and receive feedback, how to lead a group under pressure, and how to manage conflict calmly. These are the kinds of skills that transfer directly into school, work, and life. It's much easier to learn these things in a real community setting with genuine stakes than it is in a traditional classroom.

Eligibility and Tuition

The program is open to girls entering 10th, 11th, or 12th grade in the fall. While many participants have attended WeHaKee before, it isn't always a requirement. If your daughter is interested but hasn't been to camp here yet, please reach out so we can discuss if it’s the right fit for her.

Tuition for the Leadership Academy is $3,650 per two-week session, which is the same as our girls' camp. Financial assistance is available through our tuition grant program. In 2026, WeHaKee committed more than $66,000 to help families join our community, so please don't hesitate to ask about these options.

What skills does it build?

Girls in the Leadership Academy consistently develop stronger communication skills and a practiced ability to stay calm when things get busy. They gain the specific kind of confidence that only comes from being responsible for someone other than yourself. They also build relationships with our adult staff in a unique way, acting more like emerging colleagues than just campers.

One of our alums, Sonja K., mentioned that the program helped her daughter see herself as a leader right now rather than "someday." That distinction is so important. This isn't just a simulation or a class; it’s leadership practice happening in real time with real people depending on you.

Looking toward a counselor future

Many of our best WeHaKee counselors started out in the Leadership Academy. We designed the program with that pathway in mind. Girls who complete the CIT and Junior Counselor levels can often return after high school as full counselors. This means the investment in the Leadership Academy can lead to years of growth for the participant and for the camp community.

How to Enroll

You can get started by emailing info@wehakeecampforgirls.com or calling us at 608-787-8304. Our 2026 session dates are June 15 through June 29, July 1 through July 15, and July 17 through July 31. If a girl wants to stay longer, sessions can be stacked for multiple two week periods.

The Leadership Academy stands out because the leadership is real. There are no exercises or pretend scenarios here. The younger campers your daughter will care for are real kids who need her to show up for them. She won't just leave with a certificate; she’ll leave with a summer of having done something challenging and having done it well. She’ll have a much clearer sense of the kind of leader she actually is!